Where the Wild Things Are

Sendak, M. (1963). Where the wild things are.  New York:  Harper and Row.

Where the Wild Things Are is considered one of the most powerful children's books.  It has been voted multiple years as the number one book for children and received the prestigious Caldecott Medal.   I must agree with the hype.  The story and illustrations by Sendak truly are inspiring for children, both boys and girls alike.  Sendak's picture book is one that I shared with my brother when we were children; it is one that I have recently shared with my own son.  Even at fifteen-months, he is able to sit and listen to Sendak's powerful language.  Fifty years after its first publication, Where the Wild Things Are still speaks strongly to its audience.


Sendak writes the story about Max, who, after getting upset with his mother, travels to where the wild things live.  Since Max is the most angry and terrifying of the wild things, he is made king.  Eventually, Max realizes he misses his mother and her love and goes home.

The journey through Max's imagination is a wonderful lesson for children of all ages.  Max's adventure teaches children that when they are angry, if they separate themselves from their anger, everything will be okay.  Anger is temporary, and love is permanent, as displayed through Max's return home and his "'still hot'" waiting dinner.

While Sendak uses less than four hundred words, he is able to easily convey his theme and capture hearts for generations.  The illustrations start simple and small, but as Max's imagination grows, so does the artwork.  Eventually Max's imagination takes control of the pages to the point that the book only contains Sendak's artwork.  These are my favorite pages.  The reader must infer what is going on through Max's mind once he declares "'Let the wild rumpus start!'" until he quiets the wild things.

Since there are so few words, Where the Wild Things Are is very appropriate for early and young readers; however, a few words may prove to be difficult.  The book is great for read alouds.  There are several available on YouTube, including one by Barrak Obama.  I love reading this book aloud to Brody.  The language is so dramatic and lends itself to many great interpretations.  I have not seen the film yet, but I hope to watch it with Brody once he's older.